How Not to get Stressed.
Stress is ineveitable in schools where the teacher is expected to do everything from writing curriculum, to assessment,
to learning about individual personalities and dealing with problems and trying to solve them. Learn to cope with stress.
The internet is full of ideas.
I have worked out some tongue in cheek solutions that are worth considering, if you know you are stretching beyond a
coping level. Then, concentrating on alleviating stress levels for yourself, does help. When the strategies lower again and
stress reoccurs, then reassess your strategies and level out again. I believe firmly in early nights so that does not add
to the situation and eating properly so at least your health is not the majoy issue and the Life Balance theory does suggests
that even teachers do need some sort of relaxing fun if they are to cope and this is where having a friend helps as then there
is some social life and someone to lean on away from work.
Take my suggestions as you will...but they help me all the time, even if I don't always follow my own advice.
1. Believe in God. It helps to have long conversations with God about your problems and he always seems to provide
a listening ear and God does not argue with what you are saying.
2.Get out of school as fast as you can and work at home. I found the agony stayed whilst I was at school so
I ended up buying all the equipment needed to run my office from home and I do my work there in a happy surrounding, where
I am content with myself, and when I need help I get on the Internet and do a search.
3.Do not argue with the students, teachers, HODs, Principal, parents, cleaners, canteen lady or anybody I have
not mentioned. All have the ability to get back at you in some insiduous way like not buttering your bread, not cleaning your
room, complaining to others or just ignoring you. If you argue...you lose. Do not argue with anyone about anything
even in fun as some people take it as a real argument.
4. Smile...The day you stop smiling and start telling people why you look unhappy, is the day
you regret. Tell no-one nothing and smile...smile...smile. The world understands a smiler and smiles back. You cannot teach
all your students to smile, but you can say you smiled as much as you could and seemed to be always happy.
5. I always dress with pride. It makes me feel better and disconcerts the students who are used to yelling at
people dressed the same as them. Its very hard to keep demeaning someone dressed elegantly and with style. The better dressed
I am the harder the group I have to face. I never underdress in situations that are not friendly. I add all the trimmings
and try to hold myself with dignity even when facing insults and demeaning teenage confrontations. I have face, and I have
pride in myself, and however down I am, I try to cling to this vestige of self pride.
6. Don't ask for help from immediates. The ear may seem sympathetic, but often the ear has its own problems,
and when stressed, turns on you for adding to them ,or discusses the fact that you asked for help. Try and handle things yourself.
If you really do need help go to someone who cannot benefit from your ignorance like the Internet.
7. Do some exercise. If its too hot or too cold to exercise outdoors, do it in front of the fire or TV. Lift
weights even if it is an encyclopedia, dance to music, walk or jog on the spot, or do something like Tai chi or yoga or anything,
but get some exercise regularly and stick with it. Many people play sport, walk with a pedometer or exercise whilst driving
by tensing every part of the body.
8. Sleep on it. Never try and solve a problem on the spot. Inside each of us is an ability to have our inner
souls advise on the right action. If you sleep on a problem you will invariably wake with an answer. Learn to tune into
your inner voice..the voice of reason.
9. Laugh Therapy. This is getting many components in the States where people are being trained to belly laugh
to relax completely. Funny shows and comedies that make you belly laugh can be doing more for you than you think. Learn to
laugh, and laugh loudly.
10.Vitamins and Health boosters. There are many available such as ginseng, pollen and royal jelly, seaweed and
honey, herbal drinks and health foods. Convince yourself that one or more of these is your saviour and work on bringing yourself
back to a healthy level.
